Notes From The Bar

(Must be 21 or older to consume spirits)

As part of The Times' research for the story about Oola's distillery, Publisher Imbert Matthee and Ad- vertising Manager Larry Davidson, an experienced sommelier, visited the jimgermanbar. Bar owner and mixologist Jim German graciously provided them with taste samples of Oola's bourbon, vodka and gin. The only product they did not try was the hot pepper vodka.

Here are their preliminary findings:

Waitsburg Bourbon Warm and oaky, slightly nutty with a hint of caramel in the nose. Roasted meat notes, cinnamon, annis, almond in the mouth. Doesn't blaze a trail on the way down. Tasters at a recent Monday Night Football get together sampled a first-batch bottle courtesy of grocery store owner Danny Cole unanimously pronounced it "smooth." German judges it perfect for Manhattans. Oola owner Kirby Kallas-Lewis recommends pulled pork on crostini as a culinary complement and a medium-bodied cigar for those who smoke (government warnings not withstanding).

Grain-to-Glass Vodka Buttery nose with a hint of cucumber and celery in the nose. Smooth and clean grain on the palate. Fiery aftertaste. The Lingo, a cocktail created by KT Niehoff, calls for 2.5 oz of Oola Vodka, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice and 1/3 ounce of simple syrup. Blend all ingredients with ice and a twisted rose- mary sprig in a cocktail shaker and serve up with rosemary garnish.

Citrus Vodka Leafy lemon verbena and lime rinds in the nose. Almost minty on the palate and a well-rounded mouth feel. Gone Green, a cocktail created Jay Kuehner, calls for 2 ounces of citrus vodka, ½ ounce fresh lime and lemon juice, ½ ounce sugar or simple syrup and 1 ounce of your favorite seasonal herb. Shake, strain and serve up with chosen herb gently pressed to release aroma.

Rosemary Vodka Stemmy nose of candied rosemary softer on the nostrils than its vibrant citrus sister. Rosemary taste comes through stronger in the mouth. The Ever- green, a cocktail created by Jim German, calls for 1.5 ounce rosemary vodka, ½ ounce fresh grapefruit juice and 1 ounce of Zirbenz Stone Pine Liqueur. Blend all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, strain into the cocktail glass. Serve with sprig of rosemary.

Grain-to-Glass Gin Good classic clean-grain gin. The Oola, a cocktail created by KT Niehoff, calls for 2.5 ounces gin, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice and ¼ ounce Maraschino Liqueur. Blend all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and serve with a lemon twist.